Tamil Nadu's Pioneering Hornbill Conservation Centre Takes Flight in Attakatti!

In a monumental stride towards wildlife preservation, Tamil Nadu is poised to welcome its very first Hornbill Conservation Centre, strategically located in Attakatti, nestled near the verdant landscapes of Pollachi in Coimbatore district. This ambitious project marks a pivotal moment for the conservation of these magnificent 'forest farmers,' particularly the 'Near Threatened' Malabar Pied Hornbill, a species vital to the health of our Western Ghats ecosystems.

The chosen site, Attakatti, sits on a crucial 20-acre parcel of land within a reserve forest block, offering an ideal habitat for hornbills and facilitating easy access to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), a stronghold for these iconic birds.

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is spearheading this pioneering initiative, partnering with the esteemed PSG College of Arts and Science (Coimbatore) for technical expertise and the dedicated Madurai-based NGO, Arulagam, which has been at the forefront of hornbill research and conservation for years.

This state-of-the-art facility is not just a building; it's a beacon of hope.

Its primary objectives include the conservation and future breeding of hornbill species, with a special focus on the Malabar Pied Hornbill. However, it will also extend its efforts to protect the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Indian Grey Hornbill. The centre is envisioned to be a comprehensive hub, featuring specially designed aviaries that mimic natural habitats, cutting-edge veterinary facilities to ensure optimal health, and dedicated incubation and research laboratories for scientific study and propagation.

Furthermore, a public interpretation centre will play a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering a deeper appreciation for these unique birds among visitors.

The urgency for such a centre is clear. Hornbills are often referred to as 'forest farmers' due to their critical role as seed dispersers, helping to regenerate forests and maintain biodiversity.

The Malabar Pied Hornbill, a spectacular resident of the Western Ghats, is currently classified as 'Near Threatened' by the IUCN, making targeted conservation efforts indispensable. This centre will also serve as a crucial rehabilitation point for injured or displaced hornbills, providing them with a second chance at life in the wild.

Initial funding approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has provided the necessary impetus, allowing construction to commence.

Officials anticipate the centre will be fully operational within 12 to 18 months, transforming Attakatti into a national model for hornbill conservation. As the concrete foundations are laid and the vision takes shape, the Attakatti Hornbill Conservation Centre stands as a testament to Tamil Nadu's unwavering commitment to protecting its natural heritage and securing a vibrant future for its awe-inspiring avian residents.